Investigating the Engineering Design Process
A. Pre-Designing
1. Identify the Need and Establish the Problem: It is often said that “Engineers are problem solvers,” and as such, this stage is one of the most important during the design process. After all, without a problem there is no design.
This stage is split into two steps:
This stage is essentially a subset of the problem definition, and it clearly states what the engineer will be maximizing their design for, also known as “design for x” (Dfx). An engineer may design for safety, low cost, manufacturing, etc….
3. Research, research, research:I cannot stress enough the importance of research at every stage of the design process. Gathering as much information as possible is the foundation of establishing the need, identifying the problem, generating ideas, performing detailed design, and even in communicating the design. It provides justification for every part the design.
4. Idea Generation: The fascinating thing about design problems is that there is always more than one solution. As such, once the problem is defined, as many ideas as possible must be generated. The problem definition and Dfx’s govern the idea generation stage. This stage employs several creativity techniques such as SCAMPER, functional decomposition and brainstorming are used to generate a variety of unique, diverse problems.
The specific article that describes this stage can be found here.
1. Identify the Need and Establish the Problem: It is often said that “Engineers are problem solvers,” and as such, this stage is one of the most important during the design process. After all, without a problem there is no design.
This stage is split into two steps:
- Identifying the Need: At times, this need must be identified by the engineer, as I experienced in writing a Request for Proposal. Other times, the need is expressed by a client. In my design activities, I found that the need was the overarching, vague issue at hand – like improving accessibility services for Deaf people. The problem definition, on the other hand, was the specific, clearly-outlined definition of what had to be solved, as explained in the next point below.
- Defining the problem: The problem is the functional decomposition of the identified need. It involves taking the need and establishing the key issues that create the problem. The problem is then broken down into criteria and constraints, so that the designer has a measure against which he or she can determine if the proposed design has accomplished its purpose. Once the problem is identified, it can be summarized in a one to two sentence problem statement.
- Some examples include: Design Brief in Praxis I, Request for Proposal
This stage is essentially a subset of the problem definition, and it clearly states what the engineer will be maximizing their design for, also known as “design for x” (Dfx). An engineer may design for safety, low cost, manufacturing, etc….
3. Research, research, research:I cannot stress enough the importance of research at every stage of the design process. Gathering as much information as possible is the foundation of establishing the need, identifying the problem, generating ideas, performing detailed design, and even in communicating the design. It provides justification for every part the design.
4. Idea Generation: The fascinating thing about design problems is that there is always more than one solution. As such, once the problem is defined, as many ideas as possible must be generated. The problem definition and Dfx’s govern the idea generation stage. This stage employs several creativity techniques such as SCAMPER, functional decomposition and brainstorming are used to generate a variety of unique, diverse problems.
- Some examples include: Praxis II Design Project, CIV102 Truss Bridge Design Project
- Clustering Stage: Group all solutions into general categories as several of the ideas will share similarities. These groupings may prompt further idea generation.
- Convergent Stage: This stage involves selecting a specific idea as the design solution, using design selection tools such as a weighted decision matrix, Pugh method, analytical hierarchical process, and other decision methods. Usually, a design should be optimized for a specific purpose. The constraints and criteria of the problem definition are prioritized, and then each of the solutions is evaluated against these prioritizations. In the end, one solution should emerge as the winner for further development
The specific article that describes this stage can be found here.
- Some examples include: Praxis II Design Project
B. “Drafting”
6. Detailed Design, Model/Prototype, and Testing: This stage is the actual “writing” of the design. All specifics of how the solution will be implemented must be addressed. Some considerations include:
As part of the detailed design, the designer creates a model or prototype of how some part of the design will function upon implementation. The model should be tested to ensure it functions. For example, in computer programs, this involves debugging in addition to user testing.
6. Detailed Design, Model/Prototype, and Testing: This stage is the actual “writing” of the design. All specifics of how the solution will be implemented must be addressed. Some considerations include:
- Cost of the design (in terms of money, speed, or time)
- Manufacturing
- Components (such as materials, or code in the case of a computer program)
- Adherence to Codes and Standards
- Calculations
As part of the detailed design, the designer creates a model or prototype of how some part of the design will function upon implementation. The model should be tested to ensure it functions. For example, in computer programs, this involves debugging in addition to user testing.
- Some examples include: Design Critique Preparation
C. Revising and Proofreading
7. Modifying and Improving the Design: No design is completely perfect the first time it is created. Using results and input from testing of the solution, the design should be modified and improved to better address any issues that arose during the testing stage. This may involve reframing the problem definition, and at times, may even involve starting the entire process all over again. Even after the design is fully implemented, designers will continue returning to this stage as maintenance of the product will be required.
7. Modifying and Improving the Design: No design is completely perfect the first time it is created. Using results and input from testing of the solution, the design should be modified and improved to better address any issues that arose during the testing stage. This may involve reframing the problem definition, and at times, may even involve starting the entire process all over again. Even after the design is fully implemented, designers will continue returning to this stage as maintenance of the product will be required.
- Some examples include: CIV102 Matboard Bridge Design
D. Publish
8. Communication of the Design: This is an important stage as if an engineer cannot communicate their design to the world they are designing for, the design is useless!
8. Communication of the Design: This is an important stage as if an engineer cannot communicate their design to the world they are designing for, the design is useless!
- Some examples: Showcase, Poster for Design Critique(Detailed Design), Report for CIV102 Matboard Bridge Design,
Teamwork: This step is not an official part of the engineering design process; however, I have come to understand that engineers do not work alone. Thus, it is important to develop effective team communication skills.
The next set of pages are reflections on artifacts, the design activities I have undertaken throughout the 2012-2013 school year.
